Question

How does the author use the character of Editha to voice his own opinions?

Answer 1

The character of Editha is a foil, developed to portray the fickleness of the arguments that support war. The author ironically reveals how Editha repeats the passages from newspapers and magazines supporting the need to go to war. But the author takes a step further to give us a view of Editha’s perception when she says, "But now it doesn't matter about the how or why. Since the war has come, all that is gone. There are no two sides any more. There is nothing now but our country." Finally, toward the end of the story, Mrs. Gearson sarcastically says, "No, you didn't expect him to get killed," a commentary by the author to show the ignorance of people who idealize war.

Answer 2

The character of Editha is a foil, developed to portray the fickleness of the arguments that support war.

The author ironically reveals how Editha repeats the passages from newspapers and magazines supporting the need to go to war. But the author takes a step further to give us a view of Editha’s perception when she says, "But now it doesn't matter about the how or why. Since the war has come, all that is gone. There are no two sides any more. There is nothing now but our country."

Finally, toward the end of the story, Mrs. Gearson sarcastically says, "No, you didn't expect him to get killed," a commentary by the author to show the ignorance of people who idealize war.